**Tragedy on School Trip: Child Dies and Over 20 Injured in Somerset Coach Crash**
Somerset is reeling after a devastating coach accident left one child dead and more than 20 others injured. The vehicle, which was transporting primary school pupils and staff from an end-of-term trip to Exmoor Zoo, overturned and slid down an embankment on a rural stretch of the A396 near Minehead. The serious incident, which occurred just before 3pm on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the wider region.
Emergency services declared a major incident as news of the crash quickly spread. The coach, believed to have had between 60 and 70 occupants, was making its way back to Minehead Middle School when it lost control on Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe. With the school only fifteen minutes away, the journey was meant to be the happy conclusion to a celebratory day, yet it ended in catastrophe.
Ambulance crews, including three air ambulances and more than 20 ambulances, arrived swiftly at the scene. A total of 21 people were taken to various hospitals – some with serious injuries – after the vehicle overturned, coming to rest on its roof about 20 feet down a steep bank. Tragically, one child was pronounced dead at the site, according to South West Ambulance Service.
Initial reports credit an off-duty firefighter, who happened to be travelling behind the coach, as being among the first to help following the crash. He reportedly began rescuing trapped passengers before emergency teams arrived in greater numbers. Most of those on board managed to exit the bus unaided, but specialist fire crews were required to rescue several others from the wreckage.
Statements from authorities reflected the magnitude of the response. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington of Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the “incredibly challenging” nature of the incident for all emergency personnel involved. He emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting its profound impact on families, the school, and the broader community.
Despite the scale of the disaster, the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, and police have launched a thorough investigation. At this stage, there has been no official indication of involvement by any other vehicles. Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the bus “overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft down an embankment”, underlining the severity of the crash. Emergency resources included eight fire engines, two specialised rescue vehicles, and roughly 60 fire service staff, while support from HM Coastguard and a police helicopter further bolstered the response.
Minehead Middle School, which caters to children aged nine to 14, was close to the end of the academic year. In a heartfelt statement, Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which manages the school, expressed deep sadness: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this terrible accident. Our entire school community is devastated by this news, and we will do everything we can to support everyone affected.” Two children with serious injuries were among those taken to hospital by air ambulance.
Locals voiced their shock at the tragedy. One resident, Dylan Strickland, described the stretch of road as “a ravine”, adding, “It’s a really bad crash. A day at the zoo shouldn’t be ending like this.” Others spoke of the steepness of the terrain and the lack of protective barriers along the road, reflecting on the risks presented by such rural routes.
National figures were also quick to offer condolences. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer posted on social media, “There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected. Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace.”
As investigations continue and families come to terms with heartbreaking loss, the Somerset community has rallied together to support those affected and to seek answers in the hope of preventing such a tragedy in the future. The aftermath of this event will be felt for a long time, both in the local area and among all those who care about student safety on school outings.